A Fall, Unnoticed

“One more story, please!” the teal filly demanded, slamming her little hooves against the orange bed sheets. She paused to sip from a cup of cocoa standing on a cupboard next to her bed, and the crickets outside the window seemed to take that as a sign to start their daily song.

Elderberry smiled, shaking her head slowly. After looking at the beautiful, waning moon in the sky, she closed the book and stood up from the bed. “Tomorrow is a big day, sweetie. You wouldn’t want to oversleep and miss the start of school, would you?”

Abject fear filled the filly's wide amber eyes, reflecting the lazy flames of the fireplace. She gasped, then rose up as she started vigorously shaking her head. This made her dizzy, and soon enough, she fell onto the sheets again. “I’ll fall asleep right away, mom! Promise!”

Elderberry stifled a melodious chuckle that formed in her throat. She nuzzled her daughter, whispering, “Don’t be too nervous. I’m sure you’ll make many friends. Goodnight, dear.” She kissed the filly's forehead.

“Night, mom.”

Elderberry closed the window and drew the covers. Her husband waited just outside the room, but she shot down his playful gaze with a roll of her eyes. “We’d best follow her, sweetheart. We’re already a week behind with the west field.”

“You’re right, as always.” The stallion exaggerated a tired sigh. “No burning daylight with you on the job, honey.” He stole a quick kiss.

Unbeknownst to the family, Luna died.